Wilmington, NC – Five local human service agencies, in a collaborative effort with 11 other local agencies, received a three-year grant from the Cape Fear Area United Way on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at the United Way office, Wilmington. This award, totaling approximately $675,000 over three years, is the first step in funding community change and will impact the system of physical and mental health care for those in the Wilmington area.

Presenting this award was Andrew White, President, GE Energy – Nuclear. Mr. White, who has 23 years with GE Energy, has agreed to represent the Cape Fear Area United Way as the new 2006-2007 Campaign Chair.

The five local agencies receiving the award are Access III of the Lower Cape Fear, Inc., Good Shepherd Ministries, New Hope Clinic, Inc. Tileston Outreach Health Clinic, WHAT – Wilmington Health Access for Teens and 11 additional agencies that are part of the Access Committee of the Cape Fear Healthy Carolinians.

This substantial grant will be used by local agencies to increase the capacity of the safety net agencies and create a clearly identifiable, coordinated system of care for the uninsured. The first of its kind under the new CFAUW Community Impact method of funding community change is creating new forms of collaboration among agencies and developing long-range strategies for working together to address some of the most pressing needs in our community.

Cape Fear Area United Way is making necessary investments that will improve the quality of life by identifying and prioritizing needs in our communities, mobilizing people, organizations and financial resources to deliver high impact solutions, and measuring results for continued success.